West Ham chairman David Sullivan is dealing with the Declan Rice transfer personally rather than use agents or intermediaries.
Sullivan takes full Rice control
The chairman is away on holiday at the super yacht Tatiana close to Italy but in constant communications for any transfer business that requires his attention.
West Ham want to hold out for the full £120m valuation made up of £110m transfer fee and up to £10m of add-ons.
The Hammers are in no hurry to conclude a quick deal got the benefit of their North London Premier League rivals and want to hold out for the best possible price for their star player.
It is now clear that Arsenal appears to have all but promised the Rice camp they will sign him come what may and that has left West Ham in a strong negotiating position.
The Hammers are even prepared to forgo Rice’s sale this summer if their valuation is not met and can afford to wait another 6 or 12 months in a worst case scenario.